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Last May, Mr Obama’s justice and education departments instructed public schools to allow transgender students to use whichever bathroom corresponded to their gender identity.

Though not legally binding, Mr Obama’s order warned schools they could lose funding if they did not follow the new guidance.

The Obama administration’s policy was based on its interpretation of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. Mr Obama argued that protection extended to gender identity.

‘Intimate spaces’

During his presidential campaign, Mr Trump said transgender students should be allowed to use whichever bathroom “they feel is appropriate”.

“Our daughters should never be forced to share private, intimate spaces with male classmates, even if those young men are struggling with these issues,” said Vicki Wilson, a member of Students and Parents for Privacy.

“It violates their right to privacy and harms their dignity.”

But the American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten called the move a major setback for transgender rights.

“By rescinding these protections, the Trump administration is compromising the safety and security of some of our most vulnerable children,” she said.

“Reversing this guidance tells trans kids that it’s OK with the Trump administration and the Department of Education for them to be abused and harassed at school for being trans.”

‘Privilege to perform’

Jackie Evancho told ABC she had not yet had a response from the president to her request for a meeting.

Image copyrightReuters

Image caption
Jackie Evancho sang the national anthem at the swearing-in ceremony in Washington DC

But the former America’s Got Talent contestant, who also previously sang for Barack Obama, said she did not regret singing at Mr Trump’s inauguration in January.

She said she had agreed to appear not because of politics, but for “the honour and privilege” of performing for her country.

Other celebrities also criticised the decision on social media, with TV presenter Ellen DeGeneres tweeting: “This isn’t about politics. It’s about human rights.”

Media caption“My heart is a girl heart” – Zoey’s story

Are you a transgender student who is affected by this decision? Get in touch with us by emailing [email protected].

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